Lambda Literary Foundation (LLF), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization advancing LGBT literature, is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $7,000 from the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. The grant will go toward LLF’s LGBT Writers in Schools program with a special focus on developing the program in the San Diego area.

LGBT Writers in Schools connects authors with classrooms via video Skype or in-class visits to discuss the author’s work and LGBT issues. Designed for teachers of high school classes, universities and colleges and student organizations, the LGBT Writers in Schools program is an opportunity for writers to discuss their work openly with students and to encourage diversity not only in the students’ reading and writing lives, but also in society at large. This initiative broadens the foundation of experience for students of literature, creative writing, English, and secondary education.

“The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation is excited to support the Lambda Literary Foundation in this important endeavor,” said Executive Director John Brown. “Using these funds wisely helps our foundation fulfill its mission – to connect people who care with causes that matter. We know these grants will make a difference in our community.”

The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation–SDHDF —is the sole community foundation in San Diego dedicated to the benefit of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. SDHDF funds programs and projects that promote equal treatment, tolerance, wellness, well-being, and above all else, human dignity. SDHDF works to strengthen LGBT organizations and leadership.

“Thanks to Human Dignity, Lambda Literary Foundation can make San Diego a national model for our LGBT Writers in Schools program,” said Susan Atkins, Vice-President of LLF’s Board. “We’re looking forward to the exciting work we have ahead of us.”

Tony Valenzuela, Executive Director, Lambda Literary Foundation. A graduate of the MFA in Creative Writing program of the California Institute of the Arts, Valenzuela is a longtime community activist and writer whose work has focused on LGBT civil rights, sexual liberation and gay men’s health. Read his full bio here and contact him here.